Veterans Honored In Crawford County

Two local veterans — one living, the other killed in battle — were honored for their service and valor during a medal presentation ceremony Sunday.

Two local veterans — one living, the other killed in battle — were honored for their service and valor during a medal presentation ceremony Sunday.

Paul Moon and Paul Mullicane both received medals they had earned while fighting in wars several decades ago.

"They both fought in Korea, but one didn’t make it back," said Col. Steve Gray, a member of Sen. John Boozman’s staff who presented the medals during the ceremony at the Van Buren Public Library. "Paul Moon was fortunate, because he made it through the war and got to raise a family and enjoy the freedom he fought for."

Moon, an Alma resident, accepted his medals as several members of his family watched.

"He didn’t know this was happening," said Cindy Williams, Moon’s great-niece. "This was a surprise to him."

Moon first joined the Navy and fought in World War II. After World War II, he joined the Army and fought in the Korean and Vietnam wars.

For Moon, joining the military was a way to make a living.

"It’s about all I had sense enough to do," he said. "There was not a lot going on in the Depression."

Williams said it was necessary for her and her family to keep the ceremony a secret from Moon.

"We kind of kidnapped him here," she said. "He’s never wanted to be recognized. He doesn’t like the attention."

Elaine Stanfield, Moon’s niece, said Moon deserved the ceremony.

"He served his country with valor and cause," Stanfield said.

Paul Mullicane was killed at the age of 20 during the Korean War. He, too, fought with valor, said his brother Hubert Mullicane, who was at the ceremony with brother Bob Mullicane and other family members.

"He held the enemy off while the rest of his fellow troops got away," Hubert Mullicane said.

Paul Mullicane, a Van Buren native, was killed while trying to protect his fellow soldiers.

Paul Mullicane joined the Army in search of work.

When the Mullicane family learned that Paul Mullicane earned medals that the family never received, they contacted Boozman’s office, according to Betty Mullicane, wife of Bob Mullicane.

Mullicane’s family was presented the Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Presidential Unit Award, Marksman Badge with Rifle, Combat Infantryman Badge and Korean Service Medal from the Korean Government.

Brenda Watson, Crawford County’s Veterans Service officer, helped the Mullicane family in the process of obtaining the medals.

"(These ceremonies are important) so the veterans can get their medals and be recognized for their service and the life they were willing to give," Watson said. "(We) do not believe a veteran should get his medals through the mail. He should receive his medals with the honor and respect that is due him."